Rabbit Information Directory - Part 3
Rabbit Information
< Cont. From Page 2
Exercise--Rabbits
must get daily exercise, to keep their muscles strong and to protect
their fragile bones. A rabbit's bone weight is only 7% of his total body
weight compared with 15% in a cat. Rabbits are CREPUSCULAR, meaning they
are most active at dawn and dusk. The ideal time for your rabbit to get
exercise is in the morning when you are getting ready for work. Let him
scamper in and out of the bathroom while you shower, dash through the
kitchen while you eat breakfast, and help pick out your clothes while
you are getting dressed. In the evening when you arrive home, he will
have been bunny napping all day and will be ready to assist you with
your dinner preparations. It will delight you to watch him exercise by
running over the couch and through the legs of the chairs. While you
watch T.V. and wait for him to flop down beside you, he will entertain
you by doing bunny dances in mid-air, better known as "binkies".
Toys-
RABBITS LOVE TOYS! Alternate toys so he gets something new every day.
Here is a list to get you started: toilet paper roll, wire cage ball
with bell, cardboard box with a rabbit side door (and exit), newspaper
he will love to dig and tear up, an old towel to dig around the floor,
hard plastic baby keys, disposable grass mats (without threads),
untreated wicker baskets, and paper grocery bags. Tunnels of any kind
are always a hit. Come up with your own ideas by watching what your
rabbit likes to do.
Rabbit Habitats: Most
store bought rabbit cages are not large enough for the average
sized-rabbit. A rabbits living area must be large enough for a litter
box, toys, and perhaps a cardboard box, with enough room left over for
him to be comfortable (a minimum of 4 times the rabbits stretched out
length and tall enough for him to stand up). Good alternatives to store
bought cages include: an exercise pen, a small room such as a bathroom
with a baby gate across the doorway, cube cages, or a pop up rabbit
hutch. For more information about cube cages, please visit
www.bunnylu.org
Spay/Neuter--This
procedure is essential if your rabbit is to lead a healthy life. The
risk of reproductive cancer in an older female is approximately 85% if
she is not spayed during puberty (4-6 months). The benefits for a male
rabbit are primarily behavioral (eliminates spraying and hormone-related
aggression) but are just as important. Research also suggests rabbits
that are spayed or neutered are easier to housetrain. A knowledgeable
rabbit vet can spay or neuter your rabbit with very little risk to a
healthy rabbit. A bonded pair should each be spayed and neutered to
prevent false pregnancies.
Page Four >
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Rabbit Breeds
Research into the many beautiful breeds of rabbit available for your enjoyment.
Rabbit Breeders
Arranged by state, locate a qualified breeder in your area.
Bloating in Rabbits
Read a great in-depth article by Linda Seeman, MSN, on GI Stasis and it’s effect on your rabbit.
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